I've never before used a GPS mapping device in a vehicle, but was given a TomTom Start for Christmas. The device comes with instructions to attach it to the windshield with a mount. My tow is a 2500HD Chevy; if I mount it to the windshield at anything close to eye level it is so far away that operating the touchscreen would be quite a stretch. If I mount it to the dash instead, would it be able to get a signal from the satellites?

Never had a problem with getting a signal using a doughnut on the edge of the dash.FYI - a doughnut is a round plastic tray type thing fitted with a collar/ ring filled with sand (or something similar) to create weight around the ring and hold it in place. It has a smooth plastic inner surface to attach the GPS mount. - available at any big box store that carries GPS and almost all truck stops - Portable GPS Mounts at WallyWorldThere was a recent thread about using a GPS in a Class C and possible interference from the cab over - and the replies were - no problem.One world of advice on using a GPS - train your DW/Navigator to use the device and functions - doing it yourself while driving at highway speed is not really a good idea. Almost as distracting to your driving as sending text messages.

Best to just give it a try to find out if a signal will be received in any place you plan on mounting it. Simply Lay or hold it there and see how it does. Remember though it doesn't HAVE to be at eye level as you will only refer to it intermittently and almost always in metro areas, not on the highway. It's NEVER safe to try and do turn by turn with the device as that's how people drive into lakes and turn where there is no road :)

I use a tomtom all the time in more then one vehicle. My F350 I bought used had a disk installed to the right of the steering wheel, when I use it in that truck I use the short mount to keep the GPS low in my field of view. I also use the GPS in various tow trucks for a PT job I work as a driver. I have this mount and it works great. The tow truck can be a chevy, ford, hino, peterbuilt, I can always find the right way to mount it where its reachable. I prefer to keep it on the left corner at dash level and this arm adjusts perfectly.

when we used a laptop, I anchored a 3/4 pipe flange to the transmission hump, and with some pipe and elbows made a swivel-able mount. With the GPS and the sand bag, it now sets on a new platform attached to that flange accessible by both driver and passenger.

On far right side of dash so that passenger can see it. She always tells me where to go anyway, so I don't need a GPS to bug me also.

Where to mount GPS | Good Sam Community

skipnchar
Explorer
Dec 27, 2013
Best to just give it a try to find out if a signal will be received in any place you plan on mounting it. Simply Lay or hold it there and see how it does. Remember though it doesn't HAVE to be at eye level as you will only refer to it intermittently and almost always in metro areas, not on the highway. It's NEVER safe to try and do turn by turn with the device as that's how people drive into lakes and turn where there is no road :)
PawPaw_n_Gram
Explorer
Dec 27, 2013
Never had a problem with getting a signal using a doughnut on the edge of the dash.

FYI - a doughnut is a round plastic tray type thing fitted with a collar/ ring filled with sand (or something similar) to create weight around the ring and hold it in place. It has a smooth plastic inner surface to attach the GPS mount. - available at any big box store that carries GPS and almost all truck stops - Portable GPS Mounts at WallyWorld

There was a recent thread about using a GPS in a Class C and possible interference from the cab over - and the replies were - no problem.

One world of advice on using a GPS - train your DW/Navigator to use the device and functions - doing it yourself while driving at highway speed is not really a good idea. Almost as distracting to your driving as sending text messages.

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